Balotelli, 22, left the Nerazzurri for Manchester City three years ago but joined AC Milan last month in a move that left Inter supporters unhappy that he chose to cross the city wide.

Inter's fans made their feeling known during Sunday's victory over Chievo at the San Siro but some of the chants were of a racist nature and the club have subsequently been punished for the bahaviour of their supporters.

A statement on the Lega Calcio website read: "A fine of €15,000 has been issued to Inter Milan for having supporters who, in the 41st minute of the first half and the 42nd minute of the second half, directed expressions of racial discrimination towards the player of another club."

Inter president Massimo Moratti immediately came out to condemn the chants and has expressed his hope that Balotelli is not targeted again in the Milan derby at the end of February.

"I was told about it because I couldn't make out clearly what they were saying. I'm very sorry about that," Moratti said. "I'm very sorry and I really hope it doesn't happen during the derby."

Juventus were also fined €15,000 after their fans sang abusive songs about southern rivals Napoli, while the Partenopei themselves were handed a €15,000 fine after fans were adjudged to have shone a laser pen at referee Daniele Orsato during the 1-1 draw with Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico.